Amazing summer of music is a great boost for our city and region

Take That are coming to Norwich in June 2016. Photo: supplied by DawBell.

supplied by DawBell

From Take That playing two dates at Norwich City Football Club to Tom Jones performing at Holkham Hall in north Norfolk - our region looks set to enjoy a great summer of outdoor music this year and a major profile boost on the national stage.

Today tickets go on sale for the latest big music act to be announced for Norwich - girl band Little Mix who will play Earlham Park on September 3 - and as this map shows there is a huge array of other big stars as well as festivals like Sundown and Latitude for people to enjoy in the months ahead.

Stefan Gurney, executive director of Norwich BID (Business Improvement District), said: “The great thing from Norwich’s perspective is we are starting to attract that level of act to the city. We are beginning to get the reputation as a place that you must have on your list of venues for the big acts.

“It is being understood that Norwich is the draw for the whole of the region and that is reflected in the size of the acts that are coming here.” He added: “It is putting us on the national stage for events and acts and that is thanks to the hard work of a lot of people and partners. With BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend it took 10 years to get them to Earlham Park.

“I know lots of people worked very hard, and we are starting to see the fruits of that with other bands starting to come here.”

He said Holkham Hall’s history of open air concerts, Carrow Road’s previous gigs such as Elton John and Rod Stewart, and events at other venues have also helped to boost the region’s profile.

“People are starting to notice us and it is paying dividends,” he said.

Nick Bond, head of tourism at VisitNorwich, said it was great to see so many major names heading to Norwich and said the city’s growing success on the music scene echoes its profile as a key shopping destination for the region, with both being great news for the local economy.

“When BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend was held in Norwich the economic value of it was tremendous, and it is building on that position,” he said.

Alan Waters, leader of Norwich City Council, added: “Norwich is set to have a wonderful summer of entertainment...We are particularly pleased to welcome Little Mix to our much loved Earlham Park, which has already proved itself to be a fitting venue for international stars.”